Who is running for Secretary of Agriculture in 2026?
Here are the candidates for Secretary of Agriculture on the November 3, 2026 ballot. This race is on the ballot for all voters in Iowa.
Positions come only from each candidate's own votes, official actions, statements and questionnaire answers, never from party labels. Every item links to its source.
Mike Naig
Republican · IncumbentIowa Secretary of Agriculture
Mike Naig is the incumbent Republican Secretary of Agriculture, seeking a third term; he has led the department since 2018 after nearly five years as deputy secretary2. Earlier he was manager of government affairs for Monsanto and held public policy roles with the Iowa Biotechnology Association, the Agribusiness Association of Iowa and CropLife America2. He faces Democrat Chris Jones on the November 3, 2026 ballot1.
No public position found on: Immigration.
Chris Jones
DemocratRetired research scientist and author
Chris Jones is a retired research scientist who studied contaminant hydrology at the University of Iowa and managed a statewide network of water quality sensors2. His career also includes running the testing laboratory at Des Moines Water Works and working as an environmental scientist at the Iowa Soybean Association2. He co-founded Driftless Water Defenders and wrote The Swine Republic (2023)2.
No public position found on: Marijuana, Immigration.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Spotted something wrong? Every claim links to its source so you can check it yourself.